Violence at home breeds fear, activist tells police

THE most dangerous place for some women in Fiji are their homes, says Fiji Women Crisis Centre executive director Shamima Ali.

Speaking to police personnel at the Labasa Scouts Hall yesterday, Ms Ali said this was because women were always victims of abuse and violence in their homes.

"Our homes should be our havens and a place that we love the most but unfortunately, this is not the case for some women in the country as they fear going there," she said.

"This is because some women are always physically, sexually or emotionally abused by their husbands.

"Also, domestic violence keeps women away from home.

"Some men beat their wives and children up but they don't want them to leave. They say it's a way of disciplining them.

"Teaching women and children doesn't come from hitting or abusing them. Domestic violence in the homes has a ripple effect.

"When men hit their wives and when they leave for work, they will not concentrate at work. The thought of their wives running away with the children and being left alone worries them and in the process, their work is affected."

Ms Ali said violence was not a way of expressing love.

"When you love your wife and children, you will not hit or abuse them. Love and care is shown by your behaviour and attitude."